Hello all! I've got two kakarikis, both pretty young. We're all doing fine except that I just got a really good job opportunity that will require me to move from the UK to the USA, probably for three years, possibly more.

I've done some basic searching about traveling overseas with parrots, but even insofar as it's possible, it looks like it would be really rough on my birds. My partner/housemate, who will be staying in the UK, also really enjoys the kakarikis and says he is willing to keep taking care of them, but they are my responsibility first, so I want to make sure that I make the decision that will be best for them.

What do you all think? Would a move overseas be too hard on my kakarikis, and should I do what it takes to make sure they'll be safe and comfortable here at home without me? Or is it worth it to find a way to bring them with me?

Many yrs ago we would ship kakariki .. usually 8 to 12chrs.. in a basic small budgie cage.
The DoC (NZ Dept of Conservation) wanted a supply of 12 birds as sarogant parents for the orange crown (one of the most endangered birds in the world) initial recovery and breeding program.
This was going to be a 50/60 hr trip.
I consulted with other breeders around the world who ship from one side Aussie, and across continents, the best way to do so.
Now this IS NOT PC, but by far the most sensible once thought thru.
I constructed a small ply 2 compartment box approx 450/500mm long, 200x 200 mm.
Inside I screwed several branches flat to the floor. Cant jamb a leg under and something can grip to. Several 1/2" air holes 2 sides and messed so cant stock a head or leg out.
Now that sounds way too small for 6 birds each side right?
Think about it thu..think about a nesting boxes with a batch of 8 to 12 near fully grown chicks.. plus a couple parents... with still a week or so to go before fledging.
Anyway, dropped a couple apple 1/4s in, celery, seed mix, fresh broccoli stems, couple chunks of beetroot in each side, dropped the birds in, screwed down the lids (no doors etc) Dropped off at the airport.
Note here the choice of fruit veggie, fresh, chunky and high in moisture
24 hrs later got a phone call from the DoC ppl at the airport other end.. real upset at the small cramped box etc. Told them dont worry.. basically we are collectively experienced breeders from around the world, not scientists taking on a new project. Must say dis not go down well.. a lay person telling a Phd scientist how to do something (almost) never does..
Anyway they had another 36 hr trip back to base.
Got another phone call. They unscrewed the lids, everyone of the birds climbed out, immediately flew to a perch to get bearings , as if the trip never happened... not a single sign of stress.
The scientists just could nor believe what had happened, at best hey expected 1/2 he birds dead.

Since then we have shipped many birds locally and long distance, big and small, always keeping the volume of bird to volume of boxes around the same.
Many thanks, like so much else in these forms (and private communication) is due international co operation of top kakariki and parrot breeders from around the world, each with decades of experience in their own right.
Good side ventilation , without loosing heat or draughty... fruit/ veggies / food with high content moisture cut so will net dry out very fast, cramped, not packed close.. in case of bad handling they are cushioned, able to perch on branches can get good consistent grip, now where that a head. leg / foot can get jambed.Which is basically the description on a nesting box with a big batch of chicks in.

PS dont add sawdust, or shavings.. these will suck up the moisture content of the vegges/ fruit very quick.

Also since kakariki are on endangered species lists, you may find obtaining extra permits and government documentation each end difficult.
Something may have to look into as well._________________My Spelling is Not Incorrect...It's 'Creative'

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